Borobudur Temple
BOROBUDUR TEMPLE TRAVEL GUIDE | BUDGET, CHEAP HOTELS, HOW TO GET THERE
Contents
Borobudur Temple: A Seamless Mix Between Javanese and Buddhist Culture
Indonesia is a country that is home to at least Buddhists. With barely a percent of its total population being practitioners of Buddhism, Indonesia is a nation most notable for its predominant religion: Islam.
While the number of Buddhists in this country from the South-East littles in comparison to the existing predominant faith, a part of Indonesia’s history is tinged with a culture that today still remains significantly ever-present.
Where better to look at this unique element of the country than the former center of Buddhism in the island of Java where an iconic Buddhist architecture resides? Borobudur Temple.
Borobudur Temple: A Tourist Magnet in Central Java
You must be a follower of Mahayana Buddhism to find Borobudur Temple a significant piece of architecture and a landmark. After all, Borobodur only makes one of the greatest and largest Buddhist temples in all of the Buddhist kingdoms. This is despite the fact that Indonesia is not considered a Buddhist state.
Although it is the practitioners of Buddhism who would find the pilgrimage to this ancient structure a relatable experience, the unique appeal of Borobudur Temple makes it a magnet to many people across the globe. Buddhists and practitioners of other faith alike have a common ground in Borobodur as far as satiating curiosity goes.
Borobudur Temple
From the outset, this symbolic religious construction may be nothing but a highly-ornate building made to revere the Buddhist god. But take a closer look at the walls of the building and you shall see depictions of images that try to tell a story, known mostly to the Buddhists themselves.
By interpretation, the carved images on the walls signify Buddha’s beginnings and his eventual path to enlightenment and elevation to godhood.
Borobudur Temple
While the structure itself is built based on Buddhist fashion, there is something peculiar about Borobodur that is otherwise not ostensive from other Buddhist constructs. As it appears, there is a flair of Javanese culture embedded within the very design of the architecture itself, they are practically a seamless mix of two unique elements.
Borobudur Temple: More Ancient Than It Seems
Borobudur Temple resembles a hill that was so old, it was said to predate other religions’ symbolic structures. Not too far from Borobodur alone, there lies a Hindu infrastructure that was built to match the majesty of the amazing Buddhist temple.
In fact, broaden the scope a bit further and it is safe to say that the construction itself is older than most of the Western kingdoms’ symbolic structures.
But unlike Prambanan in comparison, which is basically now a ruin of its former grand self due to natural calamities and neglect, Borobodur was restored from the damage it sustained for the exact same reason.
Borobudur Temple
Looking back at the island’s history, these two factors were probably due to socio-political reasons—the rise of Islam—and as a result of natural calamities.
The island of Java, after all, as much about the country, is an area for active volcanoes that are always expected to erupt every 4 to 5 years.
Admission:
Borobudur – USD20 USD25 (IDR325K).
A combo ticket for Borobudur and Prambanan – USD30 USD40 (IDR520k).
TRAVEL TIPS WHEN VISITING BOROBUDUR TEMPLE
1.Rent a Van when visiting Borobudur Temple
You can save a lot of time and save a lot of energy when getting an airconditioned Van from Yogyakarta. While English is widely spoken in Indonesia, many can’t still speak the language so it would be best to have a private car. Most often than not, drivers of these vans can converse well in English.
2. Get to the site early
It would be best to get to the site at the earliest possible time. Gates open at 6 am, visiting the place early will give you the chance to beat the crowds and the heat. Special pre-dawn admission and tours are also available, although these can cost you more.
3. Bring Water and Sunscreen
The temple complex is so huge and you can get thirsty while being there. Use sunscreen and if you visit in the middle of the day, take with you your sunscreen for reapplication.
4. Dress comfortably
Borobudur Temple is a religious site so you must follow the required dress code – no revealing attire, no short pants, etc. It would be great to wear cool clothing that covers up your shoulders and knees. Pants are a great option for women as the steps leading to the top of the temple are high and not suited to skirts. Comfortable footwear like rubber shoes is also a must. For rainy days it would be great to bring some hooded jacket.
5. Whenever Possible Avoid weekends
Weekends are usually the busy days of the Borobudur Temple.
HOW TO GET TO BOROBUDUR TEMPLE
The nearest major city of Borobudur is Yogyakarta, approximately 40 km. From the city. Yogyakarta has an International Airport which caters to guests from abroad.
Car Rental
There are too many car rentals in Yogyakarta should you wish to visit the temple. In fact, with a private car, you can visit both Prambanan and Borobudur in one day and in a very convenient mode.
Bus from Yogyakarta
From Yogyakarta should you wish to ride a public bus, you need to go to the bus terminal in Jombor and take the bus going to Borobudur Temple.
Borobudur bound buses are usually smaller sized than inter-city bus traveling between provinces with a price of about Rp 10,000 or less than 1 USD. Travel time may take about an hour.
Borobudur Temple
HOMESTAYS |BACKPACKERS INN IN YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA
Pesona Jogja Homestay
Jalan Pandu UH 3 / 484, Celeban, Kota Gede
BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE TO GET THE BEST DEAL
Wakeup Homestay
Jalan Gandekan Lor no.44
The Packer Lodge Yogyakarta
Jl. Dagen No. 3, Sosromenduran, Gedong Tengen
BUDGET HOTELS IN YOGYAKARTA CITY, INDONESIA
D’Senopati Malioboro Grand Hotel
Panembahan Senopati St. no. 40
Grage Ramayana Hotel
Jalan Sosrowijayan No. 33
BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE TO GET THE BEST DEAL
Whiz Hotel Malioboro Yogyakarta
Jalan Dagen 8 Malioboro, Yogyakarta City Center
Favehotel Kotabaru
Jalan I Dewa Nyoman Oka, Kotabaru
Hotel Neo Plus Awana Yogyakarta
Jalan Mayjen Sutoyo No. 52
Amaris Hotel Diponegoro Yogyakarta
Jalan Diponegoro 87 Tugu,
BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE TO GET THE BEST DEAL
Jambuluwuk Malioboro Hotel
Jalan Gajah Mada No. 67
Ayaartta Hotel Malioboro
Jalan KH. Ahmad Dahlan
Prima In Hotel Malioboro
Jalan Gandekan Lor No 47 Malioboro
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Hello ill be tgere first week on november wondering why is the closets budget single room safe hotel to the main bus station and if theres a chance to vist both dites in two days
Yogyakarta is quite small and traffic is not a problem. You need not stay near a bus station when visiting.
I said frankly that it’s so helpful. “Perfect, it’s awesome information I get” solving problem for all travellers. I also have several tips to visit Indonesia. If you like, you can visit my blog.
Thank you for that Sam. Its heart warming 🙂
visitied Borobodur and Perambanan years ago and they were really awe-inspiring…. the history of these places and sheer feeling we get when we’re in such places is unforgettable
Wow, we haven’t meet yet, but seeing your pics in your various travels , parang ang laki ng bagsak ng katawan mo? Diet? Me kasi nong pumunta ako diyan, pumayat din ako – di ko carry ang lasa ng mga food hahaha. Ikaw din? Anyway , nice blog post about Borobudur, at ang galing naka kuha ka ng mga pics na walang tao? haha most of my pics ang daming photobomber, Lol
With all the travel tips and guides, maybe I should consider Borobudur as one of the places I should visit if given the opportunity to travel to Indonesia. The pictures are very enticing, how much more if I would be able to see them in person. Kudos sir Jojo… 🙂
Wow, this is an amazing guide . I have already checked the links of the hotels in your post and I agree, they really good deals.Now, Im just waiting for a cheap air fare from various airlines.
Love the discount links thanks for sharing